Pope sends condolences to Palestinian people upon death of Yasser Arafat

Vatican City, Nov 11, 2004 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Upon learning of the death of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat this morning, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state, sent a telegram of condolences in the name of Pope John Paul II to Rawhi Fattuh, president of the Palestinian Legislative Council, expressing the Holy Father’s closeness to the Palestinian people.

"At this hour of sadness at the passing of President Yasser Arafat,” reads the telegram, “His Holiness Pope John Paul is particularly close to the deceased's family, the Authorities and the Palestinian People.

“While entrusting his soul into the hands of the Almighty and Merciful God, the Holy Father prays to the Prince of Peace that the star of harmony will soon shine on the Holy Land and that the two Peoples dwelling therein may live reconciled among themselves as two independent and sovereign."